Tougen Anki Episode 15 Review: Kougasaki’s Rescue Went Smoother Than Expected

Quite a few noteworthy incidents did happen in the Tougen Anki Episode 15, and overall, it was a pretty good bridging episode before the final season fight. But like, where was the spice? Maybe it’ll come later, but wasn’t Kougasaki’s rescue supposed to be a tough mission or something? But nope.

It went smoothly like butter. Still, in the process, we did learn about the abilities of two other Recon Unit Oni members, both of whom actually played a crucial role in Kougasaki’s rescue. This also led Juji to start doubting the extent of his own powers. But Mudano’s reassuring words did help lift his spirits a bit.

Even with all that, the fact remains: Kougasaki’s rescue mission was quite underwhelming. Sure, things will probably pick up in the next episode, especially since Juji mentions to Mudano that the Oni and the gang members are holding that little girl hostage. So, in that sense, the Oni are still one step ahead.

The Inevitable Shiki vs Mikado Battle Is Almost Upon Us

The episode, however, kicked off by focusing on the conversation between Tsukuyomi and Osuke (the two Oni currently stationed in Tokyo), along with Shinya and Mikado. There, we see Shinya offering them something only they’d fall for, and sure enough, they did.

What Shinya offered was to let them fight Mudano, whom the episode addressed as the only Oni who defeated 100 Momotaro in a fight alone. So, they had their own needs fulfilled, too. After all, both are battle-hungry monsters as Shinya described them.

But in the end, Shinya, being the mastermind behind Kougasaki’s kidnapping and now trying to capture Shiki, the Kishin’s kid, sure has guts. He’s meticulously planning everything out. And in the midst of all this, it looks like Mikado and Shiki will, unfortunately, have to face each other soon.

Shinya himself doesn’t seem to have much fighting prowess, so it’s only natural he’d send Mikado into battle. And judging from the new opening sequence for the 2nd half of Season 1, it’s almost inevitable that they’re going to clash. That fight will likely be an emotional one, just as we’re hoping it to be.

Tougen Anki Should Now Pick Up the Pace Before the Final Clash

In the mid part of the episode, though, things slowed down a bit. They could’ve just fast-forwarded some of the prep scenes and gotten straight back to business. There were also a few random slow dialogue moments and some lazy camera movements.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Overall, Tougen Anki’s art style and visuals still look cool as hell. But maybe the studio is saving the budget for the high-intensity moments, which is fair, but still noticeable.

With Episode 15 out now, there are only 9 more episodes left before Season 1 wraps up. And judging by where the story’s heading, the season finale might actually turn out pretty solid, especially with the animation expected to pop off. An ‘unlimited budget works’ moment doesn’t seem too far-fetched either.

While this week’s episode might’ve had a slower pace, that doesn’t guarantee the rest of the season will be the same. Time will tell, but yeah, the anticipation is definitely there.

Tougen Anki is currently available to watch on Netflix.

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